Written by special guest editor Tyrone Rodriguez

While customizing and accessorizing vehicles is not new to the tuner scene, many automotive manufacturers are coming up with their own accessories to help you customize your ride. For example, the 2009 Nissan Cube is here and like other vehicles in its segment, the new box-fresh ride features a long list of custom options. From faux shag rugs to aero kits, there's a grip of goodies for you to choose from. But whether you drive a Cube or a Cayenne, there are a few things to remember that will help get you the most out of your hard-earned bucks.

First, decide on a budget. It's the single most important thing you can do. Before you start buying interior lights or iPod kits, figure out how much you have to spend—be it $1,000 or $10,000. The last thing you want is to inadvertently blow your budget before getting started. You might think this can suck the fun out of putting a custom ride together, but it'll actually make the process better.

Once you have your budget figured out, put together a list of the parts you need and the parts you want; also note their prices. Using this simple combination, you'll know exactly where you want that money to go. With a budget and priority list, you'll also be able to mix and match accessory combinations.

Coming up with a theme or angle for a certain vehicle also becomes pretty simple once you figure out what you need, what you want and how much you have. For those with smaller budgets, cool interior details, such as upgraded floor mats or a portable navigation system can make a difference to your ride. Alternatively, an affordable head-unit with iPod/iPhone connectivity and a small sub-woofer can cost under $500. Those with a bit more spending cash can look toward lowered suspension, larger wheels and even custom paint trim.

Remember, a little planning can help every dollar count toward making your ride that extra dose of unique. Nissan has a dedicated section of its Web site to help car enthusiasts accessorize their new Cubes, and there are a range of other sites dedicated to custom car ideas.